The origins of Bielefeld: Sparrenburg Castle

Bielefeld's famous landmark – Sparrenburg Castle – sits in majestic splendour on Mount Sparrenberg overlooking the city. This mighty fortress is situated on one of Germany's most beautiful hill-walking trails, the 156km Hermannsweg. Built in the middle of the 13th century by the Count of Ravensberg, the castle served as the administrative headquarters and residence of the ruling nobility, offering protection to the city and the trading route along the Bielefeld pass. Impressive features include the 300-metre system of underground tunnels, which is open to the public from April to October, and magnificent panoramic views of the city and surrounding area.

A cultural crowd-pleaser: Bielefeld's Kunsthalle art gallery

The Kunsthalle in Bielefeld is a museum and exhibition centre for modern and contemporary art.

This important collection of 20th century art includes works by Picasso, Sonia and Robert Delaunay, Max Beckmann, Man Ray, and the Brücke and Blue Rider artists. In addition, the museum will soon host its fifth Picasso exhibition. Every year, on the last Saturday in April, the museum has an open night offering 'Bielefeld Art Encounters'. On Museums Night more than 40 museums, churches and galleries open their doors to the public and offer an artistic journey through the night highlighting fascinating aspects of the town's cultural scene.

Bringing joy to the living: the Rudolf Oetker Hall

The Rudolf Oetker Hall reflects the strong sense of civic pride, outstanding commitment and traditional appreciation of cultural life in the East Westphalian city. Back in 1925 the Oetker family came to the city of Bielefeld with a grand proposal: they wanted to finance a large concert hall in their home town – in memory of Dr Rudolf Oetker, the music-loving son of the company's founder who died in 1916 during the First World War. It was intended to "bring joy to the living and enhance their appreciation of musical works" according to the inscription on a plaque in the entrance hall.

Culture in the park: Ravensberg spinning mill

Built from 1855 to 1857, Ravensberg spinning mill was one of the largest flax mills in Europe in the 19th and early 20th century. In front of the main building lies Rochdale Park, laid out in 1978 to mark the 25th anniversary of Bielefeld's twinning with the English town of Rochdale. The entire area around Ravensberg spinning mill is now a popular attraction for culture aficionados. In addition to exhibitions at the History Museum and the handicraft collection at Huelsmann Museum, the area regularly plays host to cultural events such as concerts and comedy performances.

MARTa Herford

The distinctive architecture of the MARTa Herford museum near Bielefeld embodies the gallery's innovative philosophy and its international focus.

As a museum for contemporary art, which also explores current issues in the field of architecture and design, MARTa Herford goes further than most museums by developing major overview exhibitions and special projects on socially relevant topics. The gallery was designed by the eminent US architect Frank Gehry.

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